Redundant and unnecessary.

Nice effects though.

If you don't like this, we can't be friends.

Good story, Not enough for a whole film

Jack Moore (Richard Gere) is an American visiting Beijing to sell American TV to the communist. He spends the night with a local woman and finds her murdered the next morning. He's arrested for killing a general's daughter. Everybody wants him to confess including his defense lawyer Shen Yuelin (Bai Ling). His contract is lost. There is a high level conspiracy at work.This is a slow moving thriller. Jack Moore has little rooting interest and he acts as an entitled Westerner right from the start. It would be more compelling to have him overwhelmed as the initial reaction. As for the realism, I doubt a kangaroo court is somehow unknown in China. If anything, the objectivity shown by some of the characters is nice for the Chinese people. There is still an out-of-date style to the setting. The China being portrayed doesn't feel correct. The plot moves way too slowly. At 2 hrs, it's way too long. In the end, the plodding pace takes a toll.

Recently watched this movie on Netflix, and was pleasantly surprised. This is a very good movie and deserves to be rated higher on IMDb. I've watched many movies that are rated in the 6-7 range, and this one does not belong in that category! I am not a Richard Gere fan - as a matter of fact I even rooted for Bruce Willis in the Jackal... but I was definitely impressed with Richard Gere in this one... He is probably far outside his comfort zone in this role, and has done an excellent job. But the real star of the show is Ling Bhai. She has delivered an outstanding performance. I gather that only a few shots were actually shot in China, but you don't get that feeling while watching the film - you feel like the film was actually shot in China... I am not sure of the accuracy of the portrayal of the judicial process in China, but was it was refreshing to see something other than what we are all so used to with Law and Order. Overall, I recommend this movie. While it is not in the same league as "Primal Fear", it is definitely worth a watch... and it will keep you engaged for the entire film.

This is one of those average films one does not expect to have much substance. Unexpectedly though, director Jon Avnet and a script by Robert King provide the basis for a surprising hit. The essence of this film is called " Red Corner " and tells the story of an American businessman and attorney Jack Moore (Richard Gere) who visits China to broker a satellite communication's deal with up and coming Chinese businessmen. However, Mr. Moore has the unfortunate luck to make enemies out of unscrupulous executives.They set him up with a sexy Chinese girl who returns to his hotel room, where both strip, make love, get drunk and pass out. The following morning, Jack is accosted, arrested and imprisoned for the brutal murder of the girl. Unaware of Chinese criminal procedures, the accused has little to expect, except that execution is swift if he confesses. Pleading Not Guilty is not an option and is fully explained by his court appointed attorney Shen Yuelin (Ling Bai). Together they face an up hill battle to prevent his execution and prove his innocence. Versitle actor (West Wing) Bradley Whitford) plays a U.S. consulate friend. The movie itself is filled with dark drama, exciting realism, scary prison scenes and brutality. Gere is incredible as he portrays a man on the brink of death trying to exonerate himself from a twisted government where friend and foe alike wear the same color hat. Terrific movie. ****

"In modern-day China, an American is about to be punished for the ultimate crime… his innocence. Richard Gere stars in this electrifying suspense thriller charged with lethal confrontations, raw passion and international intrigue. On the verge of signing a huge business deal, attorney Jack Moore (Gere) is on top of the world. But, his elation soon comes tumbling down after he spends the night with a beautiful woman… and is then accused of her brutal murder!" according to the film's official synopsis."At the mercy of the strict Chinese court system - where one is guilty until proved innocent - Jack finds himself completely alone. But, when his defense attorney (Bai Ling) unearths puzzling contradictions in the case, she acts against the court and her country, joining him in a pulse-pounding race to find the true killer… while both of their lives hang in the balance!" Their pulses may pound, but you might need to check your's during most of this competently made, but unfortunately implausible and dullish, film.**** Red Corner (10/31/97) Jon Avnet ~ Richard Gere, Bai Ling, Byron Mann